Fatal grenade attack at rally for new prime minister

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — A thwarted attempt to hurl a grenade at Ethiopia’s reformist new prime minister led to a deadly explosion Saturday at a huge rally in support of sweeping changes in Africa’s second most populous country. Nine police officials were arrested, state media reported.

Witnesses said a man tried to throw the grenade at the stage as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed waved to the cheering crowd of tens of thousands shortly after he made a strong appeal for unity following months of antigovernment protests.

Addressing the nation minutes after he was rushed to safety, Abiy called the blast a “well-orchestrated attack” but one that failed. He did not lay blame and said police are investigating. At least one person was killed, and 155 people were hurt, nine critically, Health Minister Amir Aman said.

“The prime minister was the target,” said a rally organizer, Seyoum Teshome. “An individual tried to hurl the grenade toward a stage where the prime minister was sitting but was held back by the crowd.” The man with the grenade was wearing a police uniform, witness Abraham Tilahun said. Police officers nearby quickly restrained him, he said. “Then we heard the explosion.”

Nine police officials were arrested, including the deputy head of the capital’s police commission, state broadcaster ETV reported.

The ruling party in a statement blamed “desperate antipeace elements” and vowed to continue with the country’s reforms.

The explosion in packed Meskel Square in Addis Ababa followed weeks of dramatic changes that shocked many in the East African nation after years of anti-government tensions, states of emergency, thousands of arrests and long internet shutdowns.

Abiy took office in April and quickly announced the release of tens of thousands of prisoners, the opening of stateowned companies to private investment and the unconditional embrace of a peace deal with rival Eritrea. Websites were unblocked and opposition figures were invited to dinner. Ethiopians said they could hardly keep up with the pace of change.

Elias Meseret is an Associated Press writer.